Can I tow a bambi 16ft with my 2009 Toyota Venza 2.7L 4 cylinder?

[Eresan]

I'm am new to the forum. We currently have a little guy type teardrop trailer weights under 1000lb, it's getting smaller after had our baby. My width is considering the a little guy t@b, but I really like the bambi 16!

We went to local airstream dealer today. They offer bambi 16 for $37k cash or $33.5k with trade in. We paid $7000 for our 2012 tear drop. Is it ok price? I looked the nada trailer value site, it seems like the airstream depreciate about 15%-20% a year.

Ok back to my question......
My venza is 4 cylinder 2.7L, it does not have tow package. The manual book says 2000lb with two package and 1000lb without. Only the v6 model which is AWD for 3500lb which seem ok for bambi 16. I read lots of threads in this forum, seen GOLF towing bambi which apparently has less towing rate. The dealer does not recommend us to two with our venza, we sadly left.
IS IT POSIBLE TO TOW IF WE DO SOME SPECIAL SET UP sSUCH AS EZLIFT + ELECTRIC BRAKE?

We also have a 2011 dodge caravan v6 3.5L without tow package. Dealer said it can only tow 2000lb unless we install the transmission cooler. I called dodge dealer, they don't do it.

Any help info is much appreciated....
Eresan

[blmitch5]

First off I'd sell the Little Guy before trading it, we had friends sell theirs very fast and only lost @1500 after owning it for two years. Second, no you can't tow with the a Versa but the Dodge, maybe. Can Am in Canada would be the person to consult but maybe a new TV is in order. Lots of SUVs could tow the 16" Bambi but what you have now won't work. Good luck but do your research on both the Bambi and TV.

Welcome to Air Forums.

[overlander63]

The Bambi weighs at least three times as much as the teardrop.
What is the tow rating for the Caravan once the cooler is added?
There is no way I would think about towing a Bambi with the Venza.

[Coloradobus]

Our 2006 Bambi 16 footer, Quick Silver Edition weighs in at 3,480 ibs with water, LP, dishes, bedding, and the four options it came with: A/C, TV and antenna, spare tire/carrier, patio awning. Stripped,the brochure claimed a weight of 2,820 lbs, with no options. The new Bambi Sports have similar weights to ours.
As BLMitch5 said, you can't tow with the Venza unless you beef up the chassis, lengthen your wheelbase, add a bigger engine and transmission, inotherwords, change tow vehicle choices. Not even sure a Class 3 receiver hitch is available using load leveling bars is even available or attachable to your Venza. And you would need load leveling system since Bambi's tongue weight is over 400 lbs. Hypothetically, you could possibly tow in the flat country on I 5 between Eugene and Portland, but any hill, like grades on I 84 between Pendleton and La Grande, forget it, you either be in first gear or not make it to the top working that 4 cylinder to death. Not to mention going downhill, all the safety issues you'd be violating. The dealer was correct. Sorry to be harsh, I can't emphasize this more, but this is for your own safety, and others. This is a "could you", but in realty, "should you" tow with a Venza, NO!
There is a Class 3 receiver hitch platform available for 2011 Caravan. A Motor Trend article I found states your Dodge has a 3,600 lbs tow cap, so adding necessary towing options, coolers and brake controller, a hitching/towing professional dealer who installs hitches could do other necessities for towing. There might be a more robust coolant fan as well. Another tip, don't leave transmission selector in drive when towing, gear down one notch
Good luck.

[Road Ruler]

Venza specs.... 2009 Toyota Venza Base Wagon 2.7L 4-cyl. 6-speed Automatic Features and Specs

We towed our 23' with a 150HP Nissan Van for years. Worked good.

The Venza has 180HP and a 6 speed tranny so pulling power shouldn't be a problem. Wheelbase and vehicle weight are reasonable.
As blmitch suggested see if you can touch base with the towing specialists, forum member, Can Am for some good advice.

[andreasduess]

The Venza should have little trouble towing a 16' Airstream - in Europe, the VW Golf (also with a 4 cylinder engine) is a popular tow vehicle for comparable trailers.

For comparison's sake, the max hp output we have ever measured when towing our 34' International is 148hp - accelerating from a standing start, up a sizeable hill. Power at the wheel when towing on the highway is between 40 and 60hp, depending on grade and wind. Our trailer weighs around 7000 lbs camp ready.

The Venza has a DOHC engine that delivers both max power and torque at relatively high revs, these engines like to rev, but you don't need that much of either with a small trailer. Your 6 gear box and the available power should be just fine. There's no need to "beef up the chassis", or lengthen your wheelbase - what's important is the ratio of wheelbase to rear overhang, which looks pretty good to me.

If for whatever reason you don't feel comfortable towing with the Venza, your van is another good option that will do the job just fine.